The Calhoun High School football team celebrated homecoming in grand fashion with a 21-7 win over visiting New Hyde Park Saturday.
The win, which was Jeff Haruthunian's first as head coach of the Colts, was a true team effort. The Colts' defense forced six Gladiator turnovers, four of which Ryan Mulcahy ended up with. Mulcahy had two interceptions and two recovered fumbles on the afternoon.
"We played great today," Mulcahy said. "We worked hard in practice, and it's nice to see the work pay off."
Calhoun got off to a quick start when TJ Marrapodi took the opening kickoff back to the New Hyde Park 25-yard line. A few plays later, senior Scott Halleran ran from two yards out to give the Colts a 7-0 lead.
"In high school football, momentum means a lot," Haruthunian said. "That opening kickoff return was a big play for us."
It looked like New Hyde Park would strike back, but the Gladiators fumbled on the Calhoun 15-yard line and Steven Valentino recovered for Calhoun.
Early in the second quarter, New Hyde Park took a risk by going for it on fourth down, and it paid off. Christian Trasolini caught a 38-yard pass from Nick Perrone to tie the game at 7-7. Both offenses struggled throughout the rest of the first half, the teams went into the locker room tied.
Calhoun gained momentum when a New Hyde Park receiver fumbled after making a catch. Mulcahy recovered the loose ball to give the Colts excellent field position, which led Elias Encarnacion breaking loose for a 32-yard touchdown run. Calhoun led 14-7.
The Colts put the game away early in the fourth period, when Brendan Schiaffo ran it into the endzone from three yards out. Calhoun would control the clock from there, and they secured the 21-7 victory.
"It was a good team win," Haruthunian, who had the water cooler poured over his head, said. "We did the little things, and that lead to victory."
New Hyde Park Coach Kevin Dolan denied Patch's request for an interview.
Calhoun returns to action on Friday when they travel to face Herricks. Kickoff will be at 5 p.m.
What do you think of the Calhoun football team's chances this year? Tell us in the comments below.
Calhoun Football Tops NHP in Homecoming Showdown
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Joe Targove June 16, 2013 at 08:14 am
I'm willing to donate my party place in east Meadow and my dj services for free to help the kids. ..…Read More dreamcatcher516@gmail.com joe
Mickey June 10, 2013 at 08:25 am
Natalie. I am so sorry to read this. I too have a little 5 yr. old dog who I love desperately...…Read More and I feel your pain. There is another website for an organization that does an amazing job finding lost pets. It's LOSTMYDOGGIE.COM There is a small fee, but they get signs up all over the area and have a phone system set up where everyone in the area of where she was lost gets a PHONE CALL ALERT message to watch for Molly. They leave a phone number and their website address so if anyone has seen her or has her they know where to call. Great system! Check it out! I've never used them, but I HAVE received calls myself recently on 2 separate lost dogs and I've seen the many photos they hung up in my area in Levittown for dogs lost within a few miles of this area. In other words, they DO what they say they will do to help find Molly. Just want you to know what is out there to help you bring Molly home. My grandkids go to school around Grand and Camp Ave. We'll be watching for her! God Bless and good luck! I'm sure she will be returned to you real soon!!
Natalie Molloy June 10, 2013 at 10:14 am
Molly is actually not my dog , however I understandthe feeling of losing a dog and thought it would…Read More be a good idea to post on the Patch.